Johannes Panji Christo: People, winner

Kedonganan village, Bali, Indonesia In a patch of mangroves, a man has his face covered with mud during a tradition locally known as mebuug buugan. The mud bathing happens a day after nyepi, the Balinese ‘day of silence’, falling this year on 12 March. This recently revived tradition is a form of gratitude for the Earth’s fertility.

Ammar Alsayed: Landscape, winner

Al Dhafra region, Abu Dhabi A sinuous water channel meanders through the landscape, flanked by a gallery of mangrove trees lining its edges. ‘This tranquil scene invites contemplation as the gentle flow of water navigates its course through the heart of the mangrove forest.’

Nicholas Alexander Hess: Young photographer winner

Mangrove at night, Australia (double exposure) ‘I wanted to capture more than just this young saltwater crocodile when I encountered it at low tide in the mangroves. The image gives off a slightly unsettling feeling, such as what one may experience in a mangrove, unknowing of what predators may be lurking nearby.’

Supratim Bhattacharjee: Overall winner

Sinking Sundarbans, India, 18 August 2020 A girl stands among the wreckage of what was once her family’s tea shop, which has been swept away by the sea in the Frazerganj area of the Sundarbans. Between 2019 and 2021, the Sundarbans was hit by the cyclones Fani, Bulbul, Amphan and Yaas.

Mark Kevin Badayos: Landscape, highly commended

Roots and refuge, Philippines This image illustrates the role of mangrove roots in protecting and stabilising shorelines. All sorts of marine life are adapted to survive in the coastal habitats. ‘Among the intricate roots of the mangroves, a solitary hermit crab stands guard, symbolising the delicate balance of our coastal ecosystems.’

Stuart Chape: Landscape, highly commended

Mangroves on tidal flats, Kakadu, Australia Mangrove forests grow along creek lines on the tidal flats of Kakadu national park. This shot was taken from a helicopter flying over Australia’s Northern Territory. Mangroves are a significant ecosystem in Kakadu’s coastal zone, which is only accessible by boat or air. The mangroves not only provide coastal protection but are also rich in biodiversity and an important resource for Aboriginal people.

Erfan Samanfar: Wildlife, highly commended

Jungle cat, Bandar Abbas, Iran The jungle cat, also called the reed cat or swamp cat, is an endangered species in Iran. The solitary felines are expert nocturnal predators with a taste for rodents, fish and small birds. ‘I had gone to the mangrove forest to photograph birds when I suddenly saw this cat. People rarely see this cat, and I feel very lucky to be able to photograph it.’

Upamanyu Chakraborty

: People, runner-up Rewilding hope A satellite-tagged northern river terrapin before its release as part of a conservation breeding and rewilding programme in the Sundarbans. ‘From this pilot reintroduction, the hope is to bring back a viable population in the natural habitat of the Sundarbans.’

Roun Ry: People, highly commended

The last mangrove, Cambodia Members of the Trapeang Sangkae fishing community help to replant mangrove trees in Kampot, Cambodia.

Sebastián Calle: Wildlife, highly commended

Silky anteater, Colombia An unexpected encounter while birdwatching in the mangroves of Punta Soldado. ‘The silky anteater is quite difficult to find due to its size and low populations. I came across it while searching for better angles in the mangrove mud to photograph some orioles.’

Jeff Thamert: Threats, runner-up

Nature & space: a rocket launch above Florida’s mangroves. ‘This was shot near the SpaceX facility where launches are happening far too often, which has already had some negative effects on the Indian River Lagoon and sanctuary. We have seen the decline of water quality and sea grasses, which has affected sea life, plants and animals.’

Nicholas Alexander Hess: Wildlife, finalist

Snake Island sea krait Just outside Fiji’s capital, Suva, lies the relatively natural landscape of Snake Island. ‘Snorkelling through the mangrove, I followed this young krait with my underwater camera when it decided to climb over this rock. It allowed me to capture this photo featuring both the snake and the mangrove-surrounded “Snake Island”, which it calls a refuge.’

Star Udyawar: Threats, highly commended

Human hunger, India ‘Towering buildings and cleared land serve as a stark contrast against the delicate and biodiverse mangrove forests. The encroachment represents a profound threat to the environment, as these vital coastal habitats are being rapidly diminished by widespread development.’

Nick Conzone: Underwater, runner-up

Guardians of the gulf, Indonesia A diamondback terrapin emerges from its underground burrow.‘The diamondback terrapin is a keystone species, crucial for defending mangroves from snails, crabs, clams and small fish. By keeping these populations in check, these turtles prevent overgrazing that could damage the mangroves and disrupt the ecosystem.’

Ammar Alsayed: Landscape, highly commended

Foggy fusion, Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Dawn fog sweeps over the urban mangroves of Al Reem Island in Abu Dhabi. The UAE’s coastline features 155 sq km of mangrove trees, known as qurm, and historically used as a source of food, fuel and for building ships and houses.

Giacomo d’Orlando: Portfolio winner

Symbiosis, Indonesia Part of a portfolio portraying life in one of the places most vulnerable to climate change. ‘In Demak Regency, central Java, the coastline has been severely eroded, and mangroves that once protected the coast have been cut down and replaced by aquaculture ponds. As a result, the sea is literally swallowing people’s homes.’